News

Controversial SEPTA funding, heat adaptation, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:

PA lawmakers propose controversial funding structure for SEPTA. House Bill 257 would fund SEPTA for two years, but money would come from the Public Transportation Trust Fund rather than sales tax revenue. Those in opposition to the bill claim that money from the capital fund was already allocated for system maintenance and upgrades, leaving existing infrastructure vulnerable to failure. WHYY 

Heat-related deaths dropping. Heat-related deaths have dropped in Philadelphia since the 1990s, likely due to an increase in awareness and changes to the city’s prevention and response. Temperatures are rising each year with climate change, and experts advise continued heat vigilance. Philadelphia Inquirer

High schooler advocates for SEPTA for her mom with disabilities. Leila Golzari-Hunt, a rising 10th grader at Julia R. Masterman High School, says that her mom – who uses a wheelchair – relies on SEPTA for transport. “For many people with disabilities, like my mom, there is no other option,” writes Golzari-Hunt. The Philadelphia Citizen

Protecting trees during street work. The machines used to repave city streets can damage street trees in passing. Streets Department officials contract landscaping subcontractors to help identify and trim trees beforehand, but advocates say that the subcontractors are still doing damage. Green Philly

Cover photo: SEPTA bus. Claudia Salvato Photography.

Angie Bacha

Angie Bacha (she/her) is a Philadelphia-based solutions journalist and recent Erasmus Mundus Master's in Journalism, Media and Globalisation student in Aarhus, Denmark. Previously, she worked as a student journalist at Community College of Philadelphia and Editorial Intern at Resolve Philly. Some other hats she has worn: Human Rights and Theatre Studies graduate; teaching artist; carpenter; AmeriCorps volunteer; and rock climbing gym shift supervisor. NEWS TIPS: angiebacha1@gmail.com

Recent Posts

Announcing the SustainPHL 2025 Nominees

Celebrating the leaders, visionaries, and changemakers shaping a more sustainable Philadelphia Even in tough times,…

22 hours ago

P.A.S.H.I.’s reusable pads project is reviving a legacy of sustainability and self-reliance in women’s health

How one Philly nonprofit is uplifting women’s health with handmade, eco-friendly feminine hygiene products In…

2 days ago

SEPTA cuts are here, & Solar For Schools grants

Catch up on the latest sustainability news - with lots of SEPTA info:  First week…

7 days ago

What to know before you buy a hermit crab at the Jersey Shore

Hermit crabs aren’t beach souvenirs. They are exotic creatures that require lots of care and…

1 week ago

Eco Explainer: What are Green Building Certifications?

Unsure what those building plaques mean? Breaking down LEED, Passive House, Living Building Challenge, and…

1 week ago

Philly’s new big cats, PGW rate hike reduction, watershed survey & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Philadelphia Zoo welcomes two feline arrivals. Rory, a…

2 weeks ago